POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON-INDUCED DISRUPTION OF ENDOTHELIAL PERMEABILITY

Abstract

Endothelial cells line the interior of vasculature and regulate nutrient exchange while preventing harmful compounds from invading surrounding tissue. Adherens and tight junctions form intercellular junctions that maintain cell-cell adhesion and regulate solute flux between systemic circulation and tissue. These intercellular junctions can be disrupted following exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), causing increased permeability in the endothelial barrier. PAHs are ubiquitous pollutants in our surroundings as a consequence of rapid industrialization and heavy reliance on carbon-based fuels. PAH exposure is associated with a myriad of adverse health effects, ranging from skin and eye irritation to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Herein, the permeability of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells was examined in vitro following exposure to low molecular weight PAHs. Bovine endothelial barriers demonstrated an average, but not statistically significant, increase in permeability in fluorescein flux assays following exposure to naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene. The presented data suggests these low molecular weight PAHs can exert an effect on endothelial barrier integrity and function but warrants further optimization to permeability assays and supplemental methods to elucidate the consequences of PAH exposure.